Khet Bachao Abhiyan to Promote Sustainable Farming

Why in the News ?

The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan from Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, to encourage the balanced use of fertilisers, improve farmer awareness, ensure effective delivery of agricultural schemes across villages, and promote a pollution free environment through sustainable agricultural practices.

Objectives and Key Features of Khet Bachao Abhiyan

●  The Khet Bachao Abhiyan will run from June 1 to June 30 across the country.

●  The campaign aims to promote the judicious and balanced use of fertilisers to maintain soil health and improve agricultural productivity while adhering to environmental impact assessment guidelines for sustainable farming.

●  It will provide timely guidance to farmers regarding weather-related risks and crop management practices, ensuring compliance with environmental clearances for agricultural activities.

●  Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring active participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions and local communities in environmental democracy.

●  The initiative seeks to improve outreach and ensure that government agricultural benefits directly reach villages while preventing ex post facto violations of environmental regulations.

Implementation Strategy and Government Outreach

●  The Agriculture Minister held discussions with the Chief Ministers of all States and sought their cooperation in the campaign.

●  He appealed to Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and public representatives to actively participate and spread awareness about sustainable practices and the polluter pays principle in agriculture.

●  Virtual interactions were conducted with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, and senior officials to discuss environmental clearance requirements and EIA notification compliance for agricultural projects.

●  District-level programmes are being planned in advance to ensure smooth execution and effective coordination, particularly in coastal regulation zone areas where farming practices require special attention.

●  Public awareness and extensive information dissemination campaigns have been identified as key components of the initiative to prevent post facto environmental violations.

About Sustainable Fertiliser Use and Agricultural Schemes : ●  Balanced Fertilisation refers to the application of nutrients based on crop requirements and soil conditions to enhance productivity and sustainability while maintaining a pollution free environment. ●  Soil Health Card Scheme (2015): Provides farmers with information on soil nutrient status and fertiliser recommendations, incorporating environmental impact assessment principles. ●  Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Direct income support scheme providing financial assistance to eligible farmers. ●  Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Facilitates affordable institutional credit for agriculture and allied activities. ●  Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance scheme that protects farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases, aligning with the precautionary principle in agricultural risk management.